Belvidere, Illinois is part of the greater Rockford, Illinois metropolitan area, but has managed to retain its small town charm with its historic downtown area. The Pettit Memorial Chapel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the James Knox Taylor designed Belvidere Post Office and the Lampert-Wildflower House are some of the designated National Register buildings. Belvidere is known as the “City of Murals,” for its numerous murals throughout the city. It has been part of an ongoing project for over 12 years.
The tradition began 100 years ago when giant advertisements were painted on the sides of buildings. Today, you can see a newer version of that artwork in Belvidere, a reflection of the city’s rich history. Other free things to do and see are Belvidere’s many attractions, parks, walking paths and local forest preserves.
1. Summerfield Zoo
Summerfield Zoo is the only zoo in Northern Illinois and has existed as a part of Summerfield Farm since 1990. They literally have exotic animals ranging from A to Z. They are home to mountain lions, zebras, lemurs, alligators, giant tortoises, wolves, reindeer, monkeys and more.
Many of the animals have been rescued from the Northern Illinois area. Because Summerfield Zoo is smaller than typical zoos. Visitors can get up close to the animals than in a larger zoo.
There is a petting zoo as well as pony rides for kids. One of the unique offerings at the zoo is reindeer rentals for holiday events. In the summer, they have four weeks of summer camp for kids aged 5 to 13. Each week has a different theme and games. Craft time and interaction with the animals are also part of the camp experience.
Summerfield Zoo
Address: 3088 Flora Rd, 61008 Belvidere, IL
Opening Hours Wednesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday to Tuesday closed
Website: Summerfield Zoo
2. Spencer Park
Spencer Park is part of the larger Spencer Conservation area and is located on the banks of the Kishwaukee River. The park is a sanctuary for a wide range of birds and animals. There is a shallow wetland where species of birds, including waterfowl and wading birds frequent.
A forest with red and white oak, hackberry, and hickory trees attracts deer, squirrel, and songbirds where they forage on nuts and berries. River and pond fishing are available, as well as 5.5-kilometer (3.4-mile) loop hiking trail, cross country skiing, interpretive trail, picnicking, group shelter, accessible facilities, and outdoor restrooms. A nature center contains a variety of educational displays and is open week days and select weekends. The grounds around the Center hold several interpretive gardens.
Spencer Park
Address: 899 North Appleton Road, 61008 Belvidere, IL
Opening Hours Open 24 hours
Website: Spencer Park
3. Belvidere Park
Belvidere Park is a 42-hectare (105-acre) park with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. From the park’s fishing pier you can fish in the Kishwaukee River and you can walk across the river on a historic swinging bridge. There are athletic facilities for basketball, volleyball, tennis, a 9-hole disk golf course, and baseball. There is a playground for younger kids and four shelters are available for picnicking. The park is also a center for community events hosting events ranging from runs, dances, and triathlons to theatrical and musical performances.
Belvidere Park
Address: 1001 W Locust St, 61008 Belvidere, IL
Opening Hours Sunday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Website: Belvidere Park
4. Boone County Museum of History
The Boone County Museum of History is a repository of artifacts and archival materials from the county’s history. Included in their collections are vintage sewing and washing machines, Chrysler automobile collection, Native American arrowheads, hatchets, axes and farm tools. There are three exhibit rooms containing a chapel, 1966 Plymouth Fury, and Duxstad cabin all with ties to Boone County’s history.
The chapel is made up of items from various Boone County churches. The 1966 Plymouth Fury II four-door sedan was the first built in Chrysler Corporation’s assembly plant in Belvidere and was presented to the Boone County Historical Society for permanent display. The Duxstad cabin was built around 1840 on the Duxstad farm and was given to the museum in 1974 by the Duxstad family.
Boone County Museum of History
Address: 314 S State St, 61008 Belvidere, IL
Opening Hours Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sunday to Monday
Website: Boone County Museum of History
5. Main Street Players of Boone County
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Main Street Players of Boone County was organized in May of 1994 as a non-profit amateur community theatre group. Their productions have run from musicals to comedies to murder mysteries and drama. They also produce holiday themed productions for all ages.
Typically, three full-length productions are performed each year with at least one production planned to provide on-stage roles for teens and children. They have added a new troupe, MSP Improv The Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Performances and auditions are held at the Community Complex of Boone County.
Main Street Players of Boone County
Address: 111 W 1st St, 61008 Belvidere, IL
Website: Main Street Players of Boone County
6. Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve
Espenschied Memorial Forest Preserve is a 46-hectare (115-acre) tract of mature bur oaks and brushy woodlands. There are picnic areas, canoe access, 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) of hiking trails, and a mountain bike trail. The Shady Oaks Wood shelter can hold 80 people and has eight tables and a large grill.
Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve
Address: 4800 South Perryville Road, 61016 Cherry Valley, IL
Website: Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve
7. Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve is an easy drive from Belvidere. The 252-hectare (630-acre) preserve is one of the largest in the Winnebago Preserve District. The tract is heavily wooded and provides a wealth of fishing in the Kishwaukee River and hiking activities.
A new 3-kilometer (2-mile) paved recreation trail winds through the woods and prairie and follows the Kishwaukee River on the south end. The north end goes through the prairie and woods and crosses the Kishwaukee River on an old road bed. There are 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of hiking trails, 47 picnic tables, playground equipment, ball fields, and canoe access. The Indian Springs shelter house can hold 200 people and has 25 tables.
Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
Address: 5360 Mulford Road & 5801 Perryville Rd, 61016 Cherry Valley, IL
Website: Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
Natural beauty and small town charm
Belvidere, Illinois has retained its small town charm and is situated in a beautiful area along the Kishwaukee River near several state forest preserves. It is because of its location that visitors can enjoy the outdoor activities that are available such as fishing, hiking, biking, and camping.
History
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